Adjusting to Being Home During the Holidays

• Change and transitions can be difficult. Routine and structure helps us to feel grounded and stable. Maintain a sleep schedule. Set a consistent wake-up time and nighttime routine. Utilize environmental cues to compartmentalize space for work vs rest vs sleep.
• Take time for yourself. It is also okay to take time alone, to recharge and collect yourself.
• Time together is great, balance is better. Be intentional about time spent with family or loved ones—plan activities, outings, or events to spend time together.
• Talk to your family about expectations and boundaries while visiting home. It’s important to talk to your family about expectations while visiting home. For example, will you have plans outside of family gatherings? Is there a curfew you need to follow? Depending on your family dynamic, it can be difficult and uncomfortable to ask these questions. 
• Anxious about going home? Incorporate mindfulness and self-care into your day. Incorporating mindfulness into your day, whether it’s a few minutes of meditation or journaling, can help you feel grounded. Take time to listen to music, go on walks, create, or otherwise express yourself. Explore activities you can do at home (puzzling, crafts, games, etc.).
• Keep in touch with friends. After spending time on campus, you have established your own community and people with whom you have connected. Staying in touch with them while you’re home can help remind you of your life in college and get you excited about returning after the holidays.

Need immediate support? See our crisis resources page.